Bohler-Uddeholm,SUPERIOR® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet,Plate

Bohler-Uddeholm SUPERIOR® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet/Plate Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bohler-Uddeholm SUPERIOR® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet/Plate Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Bohler-Uddeholm SUPERIOR® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Datasheet: Böhler-Uddeholm SUPERIOR® H13 Premium Hot Work Tool Steel** ## **Product Overview** **Böhler-Uddeholm SUPERIOR® H13** represents the highest quality tier within the standard H13 (1.2344 / X40CrMoV5-1) grade category. It is a **premium chromium-molybdenum-vanadium hot work tool steel** manufactured under stringent quality controls to deliver **superior consistency, enhanced microcleanliness, and optimal performance** in demanding die casting, extrusion, and hot forging applications. While maintaining the standard H13 chemistry, the "SUPERIOR" designation guarantees **improved internal soundness, better machinability, and more predictable heat treatment response** compared to commercial-grade H13. ## **Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Enhanced Microcleanliness:** Lower inclusion content for improved fatigue resistance and polishability - **Superior Consistency:** Batch-to-batch uniformity in both chemistry and mechanical properties - **Excellent Machinability:** Better than standard H13 grades, reducing tooling manufacturing time - **Good Polishability:** Capable of achieving high-quality surface finishes - **Predictable Heat Treatment Response:** Uniform hardening characteristics with minimal distortion - **Good Thermal Fatigue Resistance:** Reliable performance in cyclic thermal applications - **Excellent Toughness:** Maintains good impact resistance at elevated temperatures - **Cost-Effective Premium Option:** Delivers enhanced performance without exotic alloy costs ## **Standard Specifications & International Designations** | **Standard** | **Designation** | **Notes** | |--------------|-----------------|-----------| | **Böhler-Uddeholm** | **SUPERIOR® H13** | Premium quality grade | | **AISI/ASTM** | **H13 (Premium Quality)** | AISI 4135/H13 specification | | **DIN/EN** | **1.2344 (X40CrMoV5-1)** | Premium quality designation | | **JIS** | **SKD61** | Equivalent Japanese standard | | **ISO** | **HTF 4** | Hot work tool steel classification | | **GB** | **4Cr5MoSiV1** | Chinese equivalent | | **Quality Level** | **Premium Commercial Grade** | Superior to standard commercial H13 | ## **Chemical Composition (Typical, Weight %)** | Element | Content (%) | Specification Range | Primary Function | |---------|-------------|---------------------|------------------| | **Carbon (C)** | 0.39 | 0.37-0.42 | Matrix strength & carbide formation | | **Silicon (Si)** | 1.00 | 0.90-1.10 | Deoxidizer & temper resistance | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.40 | 0.30-0.50 | Hardenability & strength | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 5.20 | 5.00-5.50 | Heat resistance & hardenability | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 1.40 | 1.30-1.50 | Hot strength & secondary hardening | | **Vanadium (V)** | 1.00 | 0.90-1.10 | Carbide formation & grain refinement | | **Sulfur (S)** | **≤0.003** | **≤0.005** | **Controlled low level for cleanliness** | | **Phosphorus (P)** | **≤0.015** | **≤0.020** | **Controlled low level for toughness** | | **Iron (Fe)** | **Balance** | **Balance** | Matrix material | ***Quality Note:** SUPERIOR® H13 maintains the standard H13 chemistry but with **tighter compositional control and reduced impurity levels** (sulfur, phosphorus). This enhanced purity contributes directly to improved toughness, fatigue resistance, and polishability.* ## **Microstructural Characteristics** | Feature | SUPERIOR® H13 | Standard H13 | Benefit | |---------|---------------|--------------|---------| | **Inclusion Content** | **ASTM E45 ≤ 1.0** | Typically ≤ 2.0 | **Better fatigue life & polishability** | | **Carbide Distribution** | **More uniform** | Can show banding | **More consistent properties** | | **Segregation** | **Minimal** | Can be present | **Uniform response to heat treatment** | | **Grain Structure** | **Fine, consistent** | Can vary | **Better mechanical properties** | ## **Manufacturing Quality Controls** 1. **Advanced Melting:** Electric arc furnace with ladle refining 2. **Vacuum Degassing:** For hydrogen and oxygen control 3. **Controlled Solidification:** Optimized ingot size and cooling 4. **Precision Forging:** Computer-controlled for uniform grain flow 5. **Comprehensive Testing:** Ultrasonic, spectral, and dimensional verification ## **Typical Heat Treatment** ### **1. Annealing** - **Temperature:** **850-880°C (1562-1616°F)** - **Cooling:** Slow furnace cool (≤25°C/hour) to 600°C, then air cool - **Annealed Hardness:** **185-210 HB** - **Purpose:** Optimal condition for machining operations ### **2. Stress Relieving** - **Temperature:** **600-650°C (1112-1202°F)** - **Duration:** 2 hours per 25 mm thickness - **Application:** After rough machining, before final hardening ### **3. Hardening** 1. **Preheating:** **Two-stage recommended** - Stage 1: **600-650°C (1112-1202°F)** - Stage 2: **850-900°C (1562-1652°F)** 2. **Austenitizing:** **1000-1030°C (1832-1886°F)** - **Standard:** **1020-1030°C (1868-1886°F)** - **High Toughness:** **1000-1010°C (1832-1850°F)** - **Maximum Hot Strength:** **1025-1030°C (1877-1886°F)** 3. **Soaking Time:** **20-40 minutes** (section size dependent) 4. **Quenching:** **Air cooling** (forced air recommended) or **high-pressure gas quenching** ### **4. Tempering** - **Immediate Requirement:** Temper upon reaching 50-70°C (122-158°F) - **Minimum Cycles:** **Double tempering** recommended - **Temperature Range:** **540-650°C (1004-1202°F)** - **Recommended for Die Casting:** **580-620°C (1076-1148°F)** - **Hardness Profile:** - 540°C (1004°F): 50-52 HRC - 560°C (1040°F): 48-50 HRC - 580°C (1076°F): 46-48 HRC - 600°C (1112°F): 44-46 HRC - 620°C (1148°F): 40-42 HRC ### **5. Surface Treatment (Optional)** - **Nitriding:** Gas or plasma nitriding recommended - **Temperature:** 480-530°C (896-986°F) - **Case Depth:** 0.1-0.3 mm typical - **Surface Hardness:** 1000-1200 HV ## **Physical Properties** | Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | |----------|-------|------|------------| | **Density** | 7.80 | g/cm³ | At 20°C | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 210 | GPa | At 20°C | | **Thermal Expansion Coefficient** | 11.5 | ×10⁻⁶/K | 20-100°C | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 25.0 | W/(m·K) | At 20°C | | **Specific Heat Capacity** | 460 | J/(kg·K) | At 20°C | ## **Mechanical Properties** ### **Standard Condition (1025°C Austenitize / 580°C×2 Temper)** | Property | Value Range | Unit | Test Conditions | |----------|-------------|------|-----------------| | **Hardness** | **46-48** | HRC | Room temperature | | **Tensile Strength** | 1500-1600 | MPa | Room temperature | | **Yield Strength (0.2%)** | 1350-1450 | MPa | Room temperature | | **Elongation** | **10-12** | % | Room temperature | | **Reduction of Area** | **40-50** | % | Room temperature | | **Impact Toughness (Charpy V)** | **35-45** | J | Room temperature | ### **High Temperature Properties** | Temperature | Hardness | Tensile Strength | Impact Toughness | |-------------|----------|-----------------|------------------| | **200°C (392°F)** | 42-44 HRC | 1250-1350 MPa | 30-40 J | | **400°C (752°F)** | 38-40 HRC | 950-1050 MPa | 25-35 J | | **600°C (1112°F)** | 30-32 HRC | 550-650 MPa | 20-30 J | ### **Quality Comparison Data** | Test Parameter | SUPERIOR® H13 | Standard H13 | Improvement | |----------------|---------------|--------------|-------------| | **Hardness Uniformity** | ±1.5 HRC | ±2.5 HRC | **40% better** | | **Impact Toughness** | 35-45 J | 30-40 J | **15-20% better** | | **Machinability** | 85-90%* | 75-80%* | **10-15% better** | | **Polishability** | Excellent | Good-Very Good | **Noticeably better** | *Relative to 1% carbon steel = 100% ## **Primary Applications** ### **A. Die Casting Applications** #### **Aluminum Die Casting:** - **Cavities and Cores:** For engine components, transmission cases, structural parts - **Ejector Systems:** Pins, sleeves, blades - **Shot End Components:** Shot sleeves, plunger tips, nozzles - **Overflow Wells and Runners:** High erosion areas #### **Magnesium Die Casting:** - **Hot Chamber Components:** Nozzles, goosenecks, injection chambers - **Cavities and Cores:** For thin-wall components #### **Zinc Die Casting:** - **High-volume production dies** - **Precision component tooling** ### **B. Hot Extrusion** - **Aluminum Extrusion Dies:** For profiles, rods, tubes - **Die Backers and Bolsters:** Support components - **Mandrels and Feeder Plates:** For hollow profiles ### **C. Hot Forging** - **Forging Dies:** For aluminum, brass, and steel components - **Die Inserts:** For high-wear areas - **Punches and Mandrels:** For hot forging operations ### **D. Plastic Molding** - **Hot Runner Systems:** Manifolds, nozzles, gate inserts - **High-Temperature Molds:** For engineering plastics - **Insert Molding Tools:** Where thermal cycling is significant ### **E. General Hot Work Applications** - **Glass Molding Tools** - **Press Quenching Dies** - **Heat Treatment Fixtures** - **General purpose hot work tooling** ## **Processing Guidelines** ### **1. Machining Operations** | Operation | Tool Recommendation | Cutting Parameters | Notes | |-----------|---------------------|-------------------|-------| | **Turning** | **Carbide or coated carbide** | Vc: 80-120 m/min
f: 0.15-0.30 mm/rev
ap: 2-5 mm | **Good machinability** | | **Milling** | **Carbide end mills** | Vc: 100-150 m/min
fz: 0.10-0.25 mm | High material removal possible | | **Drilling** | **HSS or carbide drills** | Vc: 20-30 m/min
f: 0.10-0.20 mm/rev | Standard practices | | **Tapping** | **HSS or spiral point taps** | Vc: 5-10 m/min | Good chip formation | ***Machinability Advantage:** SUPERIOR® H13 exhibits **better machinability than standard H13**, allowing for increased productivity and better surface finishes during mold manufacturing.* ### **2. Grinding Operations** - **Wheel Selection:** Aluminum oxide (A46-JV to A60-JV) - **Coolant:** **Essential** – use water-soluble coolant - **Parameters:** Standard grinding practices apply - **Surface Finish:** Can achieve **Ra < 0.1 μm** with proper technique - **Polishing:** **Good polishability** – suitable for quality surface finishes ### **3. Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)** - **Suitability:** **Excellent** – commonly used for mold manufacturing - **Settings:** Standard EDM parameters - **Post-EDM:** Stress relieve at 550-600°C if required - **Surface Finish:** Good as-edited surface quality ### **4. Welding and Repair** - **Weldability:** **Good** – suitable for repair welding - **Preheating:** **300-400°C (572-752°F)** - **Electrodes:** **Low-hydrogen electrodes** required - **Post-Weld:** Slow cool and re-temper - **Applications:** Mold repair, modification, feature addition ### **5. Surface Treatments** - **Nitriding:** Common for improved wear resistance - **Chrome Plating:** For corrosion resistance and release properties - **PVD Coatings:** For specific wear or release requirements ## **Quality Assurance** ### **Material Certification** | Certificate Type | Content | Standard | |------------------|---------|----------| | **3.1 Certificate** | Chemical analysis, mechanical properties | EN 10204 | | **Ultrasonic Test Report** | Internal soundness verification | Optional | | **Hardness Report** | Multiple point verification | Customer request | | **Traceability** | Heat number, manufacturing history | Full documentation | ### **Available Forms and Sizes** | Product Form | Standard Sizes | Tolerance Class | Surface Condition | |-------------|---------------|-----------------|-------------------| | **Blocks** | Up to 800×800×400 mm | ±0.5 mm | Rough machined, decarb-free | | **Round Bars** | Ø50-500 mm | h11 | Black, ground, or peeled | | **Flat Bars** | 20-300 mm thick × 100-800 mm wide | ±0.2 mm thickness | Ground surfaces | | **Custom Forgings** | Customer specifications | As per drawing | As-forged or machined | ## **Comparative Analysis** ### **Performance vs. Standard H13** | Property | SUPERIOR® H13 | Standard H13 | Advantage | |----------|---------------|--------------|-----------| | **Consistency** | **Excellent** | Good | **More predictable performance** | | **Machinability** | **Very Good** | Good | **Higher productivity** | | **Polishability** | **Excellent** | Good | **Better surface finishes** | | **Toughness** | **Very Good** | Good | **Better impact resistance** | | **Fatigue Life** | **Very Good** | Good | **Longer tool life** | | **Cost** | Premium | Standard | 15-25% higher | ### **Economic Justification** | Factor | SUPERIOR® H13 Benefit | Impact | |--------|------------------------|--------| | **Reduced Machining Time** | Better machinability | 10-15% time savings | | **Improved Surface Quality** | Better polishability | Less polishing time, better part finish | | **Extended Tool Life** | Better consistency and toughness | Longer service intervals | | **Reduced Scrap/Rework** | Predictable performance | Lower rejection rates | | **Total Cost** | **Often lower overall** | **Better return on investment** | ## **Application Guidelines** ### **When to Select SUPERIOR® H13:** 1. **Quality-critical applications** where consistency is paramount 2. **Medium to high-volume production** tooling 3. **Applications requiring excellent surface finishes** 4. **Tools with complex geometries** requiring predictable heat treatment 5. **When the total cost of ownership** is more important than initial material cost ### **When Standard H13 May Suffice:** 1. **Prototype or low-volume tooling** 2. **Simple geometries** with minimal thermal stress 3. **Cost-sensitive applications** with tight budget constraints 4. **Non-critical components** where premium performance is not required ### **Best Practices:** 1. **Order with adequate machining allowance** (typically 5-10mm per side) 2. **Follow recommended heat treatment cycles** precisely 3. **Use sharp, premium cutting tools** for best results 4. **Implement proper stress relieving** after heavy machining 5. **Document processing parameters** for consistency ## **Technical Support** ### **Available from Böhler-Uddeholm:** 1. **Material Selection Guidance:** Application-specific recommendations 2. **Heat Treatment Consulting:** Optimization for specific applications 3. **Troubleshooting Support:** For processing or performance issues 4. **Technical Documentation:** Comprehensive processing guides 5. **Global Availability:** Worldwide distribution and support ### **Documentation Provided:** - **Technical Data Sheets:** Complete property information - **Heat Treatment Guidelines:** Step-by-step instructions - **Machining Recommendations:** Optimal cutting parameters - **Application Notes:** Best practices and case studies - **Safety Information:** Handling and processing guidelines --- ## **Critical Notes** ### **Quality Differentiation:** 1. **Enhanced Purity:** Lower sulfur and phosphorus levels 2. **Better Consistency:** Tighter control of chemistry and properties 3. **Improved Processability:** Better machinability and polishability 4. **Reliable Performance:** More predictable in demanding applications ### **Value Proposition:** - **Not an exotic alloy** – maintains standard H13 chemistry - **Premium quality** through enhanced manufacturing controls - **Cost-effective upgrade** over standard H13 - **Proven performance** in demanding applications ### **Industry Recognition:** - **Widely accepted** as a premium H13 grade - **Preferred by quality-conscious mold makers** - **Used in demanding automotive and aerospace applications** - **Supported by Böhler-Uddeholm's technical expertise** --- **Disclaimer:** SUPERIOR® H13 is a premium quality hot work tool steel designed for applications requiring enhanced consistency and performance. While it offers significant advantages over standard H13 grades, proper selection based on application requirements is essential. Consult with Böhler-Uddeholm technical specialists for application-specific recommendations. Performance data represents typical values; actual results may vary based on specific processing and application conditions. Always follow current technical documentation and safety guidelines. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bohler-Uddeholm SUPERIOR® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6868 mm Size:We can customized as required Standard： Per your request or drawing We can customized as required Properties（Theoretical） Chemical Composition -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bohler-Uddeholm SUPERIOR® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Bohler-Uddeholm SUPERIOR® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet,Plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Bohler-Uddeholm SUPERIOR® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet,Plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Bohler-Uddeholm SUPERIOR® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet/Plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Standard Packing: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and Steel Sheet/Plate drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 3339 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request. E FORUs’ is carefully handled to minimize damage during storage and transportation and to preserve the quality of our products in their original condition